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STAR WATCH: Running back James Allen (5-10, 180) returns after leading the county with 1,003 rushing yards as a sophomore last year. He'll be joined in the backfield by Derrick Harmon, who ran for 442 yards in 2012. Damon is looking to Harmon for leadership on offense.

NEW FACES: After leading Forest High in both rushing and passing last year as a junior, Jake Roddenberry steps in on offense along with dynamic receiver Jack Reed, a Trinity Catholic transfer. Zach Altom is a new face on the O-line, where the Colts have to replace four starters with only Collin Mills, a three-year starter and UCF commit, returning.

QUOTABLE: “We made the playoffs last year, but it was a non-winning season officially (after forfeiting a game). That's hard to swallow. We're a better football program than that. It has been a long offseason, but a productive offseason to have a better year this year.” — Damon.

BEST CASE: The offensive line comes together, giving the skill players time to make things happen in space, and the defense takes shape behind a strong returning linebacker group made up of Brandon Charles, James Roberts, Eugene Glover and Alex Williams. Throw in De'Amontae Jackson too, who was with the team last year but was ineligible.

WORST CASE: The Colts have made the playoffs in all 13 seasons under Damon. At this point anything less would be considered a failure. If North Marion comes up short in the trenches, and they're not disciplined with the ball, up-and-coming teams in 5A-5 could catch the Colts napping.

PREDICTION: Roddenberry and Charles, two dynamic players with lots of varsity experience, will lead on their respective sides of the ball and North Marion will win another district championship and make some noise in the playoffs.

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